Hip Atmosphere, Great Food

Adrian Halmagean, Executive Chef and Owner of Sorrel European Restaurant/Bistro, overheard a guest recently comment that Sorrel was the perfect spot for “empty-nesters” to enjoy dinner and live entertainment. 

While the opinion of that guest appears to be accurate, it should also be noted that is, in fact, so much more.

Halmagean’s life long dream was to one day open his own unique and stylish Bistro. Realizing the risk involved in such an endeavor, however, prompted him to make the decision to do so as soon as he possibly could, so that if his venture were to fail, he would still be young enough to try again. 

When Sorrel opened its doors in 2010, the then-25-year-old Halmagean achieved both of his personal goals in that, he was perhaps one of Temecula Valley’s youngest restaurateurs and that Sorrel was as unique and inviting as he had always envisioned that it would be.

With Halmagean’s youth comes drive and an abundance of creativity, both of which are reflected in Sorrel’s tantalizing menu offerings and its ultra-cool art-filled, stylish décor. 

Adding to the warmth and charm of its interior appeal is an array of
inspiring art pieces by artist Sebastian Halmagean, Chef Adrian’s cousin.

Sorrel’s menu offerings are nothing short of impeccable. Each selection is served
looking like a piece of art, and all of them taste even better than they look,
which is an awe-inspiring accomplishment. 

One long-standing menu favorite is The Pork Chop -- a 12-ounce prime pork
chop served over fried potato croquette with sweet and tangy peppered
cabbage. Another noteworthy menu selection is the delectable Bucatini, an imported Bucatini pasta tossed in a roasted Pablano cilantro pesto topped with Tamarind glazed pork belly finished with pickled cherry peppers.

This selection is memorable indeed. Also on the menu are an array of flavorful appetizers, salads, entrees, sandwiches and desserts, all of which live up to their tantalizing menu descriptions.

A very welcome recent menu addition is the Tuesday through Friday lunch specials that range in price from $8.95 to $10.95  For those that have not tried Sorrel lunch time may be the perfect time to do so. Sorrel’s menu also evolves every 3-4 months to allow for fresh items to be added.

Sorrel also hosts an impressive happy hour that was initiated this past February when a new wine and beer bar was installed. Dubbed the “Happy Hour That Never Ends,” this is a happy hour worth experiencing and, though it is not available on Monday, which is the only day that Sorrel is closed, it is featured at all other times. 

Sorrel offers 16 craft beers on tap along with 10 additional beer selections available in either cans or bottles. During happy hour, Avery’s Joe’s Pilsner ($2.50) and Avery’s IPA ($3.50) are available in cans and glasses of house
Cabernet and Chardonnay are only $5.00. 

Happy hour menu selections include chili cheese fries, fried pickles and
onions and wings by the pound with prices starting at only $4.50. Nearly 30
varieties of wine are also offered, with many of them from local vineyards.  Almost half of the wine selections are available by the glass.

Sorrel often features enjoyable live entertainment that adds to its already impressive ambience. Tuesday night is comedy night, Wednesday’s feature open mic night, and Fridays and Saturdays showcase an interesting array of live music.  

Every other Thursday night, Sorrel offers wine-paired or beer-paired dinners that have been wildly popular with guests and often sell out. This Thursday, May 3, features a local craft beer brewer Black Market beer-paired dinner “Ode to
Ballpark Cuisine.”  This event features five incredible courses, all of which are paired with Black Market beers.  A few tickets are still available by clicking here.

A special gift will also be given to all guests that attend this memorable, mouthwatering event if this event sells out by Tuesday, May 1.

Halmagean, when not acting as an accomplished chef and restaurateur, is a family man. He and his wife, Tracy, a sign language interpreter, are the proud parents of Juliette, their beautiful one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. 

Halmagean, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, has called the Temecula Valley his home for 24 years. He is well known locally for his passion for creating inspiring cuisine that stimulates the senses, a reputation that he has honestly earned and one that can be easily verified with a single visit to his enticing and fulfilling culinary haven.

Sorrel is nestled in the Bel Villagio Shopping District at 41377 Margarita Road, Suite F108 in Temecula on the perimeter of the Temecula .  Its back doors open to
Margarita Road and it is at the opposite end of the same building that houses
The Waffle House, near the former Oggi’s. 
Though not readily visible to all passersby, this is one location that
begs not to be missed.